A void period is a major challenge for landlords. When a property is empty, income stops, but expenses continue. You still need to pay mortgage payments, insurance, and council tax, whether the property is vacant for a week or a month.
According to Letting Agent Today, the average cost of the void period in England rose to £1,077 in December 2025, up 13.8% from the past year. In some regions, this figure is even higher, making a well-prepared property a smart financial choice.
While it’s tempting to fill a vacancy quickly, rushing can lead to long-term problems. A run-down property with bad smells or flickering lights will drive away good tenants.
To succeed between tenancies, stay organised rather than rush.
At Allen Clarke Property Management, we help you manage your property, maximise rental income, and manage your investment with confidence.
Steps to Get a Property Ready for New Tenants
Here are some steps to get a property ready for new tenants:
Step 1: Walk the Property Thoroughly
Start by inspecting the entire property. Check each room against the last inventory report, looking at the walls, floors, and fixtures. Test every tap, socket, and appliance, and take photos of what you find. This creates an important legal record and outlines the work needed.
Step 2: Clear Out Leftover Waste and Unwanted Items
Before you start cleaning or repairs, clear any leftover furniture, rubbish, or renovation waste. Many landlords rely on services like ProSkips to handle bulk waste quickly, which helps speed up the turnaround and keeps the property ready for the next stage.
Step 3: Complete All Repairs Promptly
Prioritise your repair list by fixing safety hazards first and cosmetic issues later. Start with leaking pipes, broken extractor fans, and damaged flooring before any viewings. Use Checkatrade and TrustATrader to find local tradespeople you can trust.
Step 4: Ensure Legal and Safety Compliance
Ensure all legal requirements are up to date:
- Gas Safety Certificate: Renewed annually by a Gas Safe engineer.
- EICR: Required every five years for rental properties.
- Alarms: Working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors where required.
- EPC: A valid certificate with a minimum E rating.
Staying compliant safeguards your investment and your tenants wellbeing. Once you have these documents in place ensure you share these with new tenants at the beginning of the lease.
Step 5: Deep Clean from Top to Bottom
A professional deep clean can make a big difference in how your rental property shows. Future tenants notice the smell of a clean place immediately. Unpleasant odours from cooking, pets, or dampness can be off-putting and hard to ignore.
Clean inside cupboards, behind appliances, and along skirting boards. Steam clean carpets or replace them if badly stained. Companies such as Fantastic Services offer end-of-tenancy packages designed specifically for rental properties.
Step 6: Refresh the Decor Where Needed
Fresh paint goes a long way. Neutral tones photograph well and give tenants a blank canvas. Touch up scuffs and marks. If the damage is significant, a full repaint is worth the investment.
Replace cracked tiles and fix peeling wallpaper. The goal is a property that looks well maintained, not worn out.
Step 7: Boost Kerb Appeal Before Viewings
First impressions form before a tenant steps inside.
A 2026 The Bespoke Sign House report found that over half of people (58%) admit they have rejected a property at least partly based on its exterior, and for more than a quarter (27%), the decision was instant.
Overgrown hedges, cracked path tiles, and peeling paint on the front door all create a poor impression before a single room is seen.
Tidy the front path, repaint the door if it looks tired, and add a clean doormat. Tenants viewing multiple properties remember the ones that looked cared for.
Step 8: Check Fixtures and Fittings
Replace any burnt-out bulbs and ensure all blinds, rails, and handles are tight. Check the boiler and water pressure to avoid future maintenance issues. Get rid of any broken furniture. Always show the property in the condition you would want as a tenant.
To avoid disputes and protect your property, explore this guide to replacing fixtures and fittings in your rental property.
Conclusion
A clear process for property handovers helps protect your investment, reduces empty periods, and creates a positive relationship with new tenants right from the start. Using a detailed checklist ensures high standards and avoids the risks of rushing or skipping steps.
If you want to manage your rental property with confidence, get in touch with us at Allen Clarke Property Management to learn how our team can help you.
